Prince Harry helps Sydney celebrate navy centenary

Britain's Prince Harry smiles while onboard the HMAS Leeuwin as the ship participates in the 2013 International Fleet Review in Sydney, Australia. (AP Photo)

Britain's Prince Harry glided through Sydney's sun-dappled harbour aboard a navy ship on Saturday, as thousands of people crowded the shoreline to catch a glimpse of royalty and celebrate the centenary of the fledgling Australian navy fleet's first arrival to the famed waterway.

The prince, dressed in a crisp white uniform, coasted past the Opera House on board the Australian navy's HMAS Leeuwin, one of dozens of warships from 17 nations in Sydney this weekend for the International Fleet Review.

The review, essentially a parade of ships, commemorates the arrival of the original Royal Australian Navy fleet a century ago.

Harry, fourth in line to the British throne, is in Australia's largest city for just one day as part of a quick trip Down Under.

Later on Saturday, he is slated to greet the public before attending a reception with Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Kirribilli House, Abbott's official residence in Sydney.

People pack the foreshore to view the International Fleet review in Sydney. Prince Harry represented the Royal Crown, the temporal head of Australia. (AP Photo)

The prince flies to the Western Australia capital, Perth, on Sunday morning for a brief visit before leaving the country.

Australia's first navy fleet of seven cruisers and destroyers entered Sydney's harbour for the first time on October 4, 1913.

About 40 warships, 16 tall ships and 8,000 sailors are participating in this weekend's celebrations, which will feature a light show and massive fireworks display over the harbour Saturday night. The event is expected to draw 1.4 million spectators.